Local workers who died on the job to be honored

(WAND) - Local workers who died on the job will be honored in Workers Memorial Day ceremonies in Danville and Champaign.

Joshua Bland of Danville died in December 2023 when he fell off a commercial roof he was repairing. The accident led to federal investigators issuing a heavy fine against his local employer, with demands to improve safety conditions for others.

Bland is one who will be honored at a ceremony at 12 p.m. on April 28 at 432 N. Hazel St. in Danville.

Another ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on April 28 at Dodds Park, 1501 N. Mattis Ave. in Champaign.

Both ceremonies will include presentations from local labor leaders and elected officials.

Workers Memorial Day started in 1970 with a goal of raising awareness for better workplace safety.

This year, Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen and Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams issued proclamations recognizing the day.

Deadly work injuries were down 4% across the country from 2023-2024. However, the number increased 7.6% in Illinois, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bland was one of 33 Illinois residents who died while on the job in 2023. Falls were the top cause of workplace deaths in the construction industry.

Families are welcome to contact event organizers if they want a loved one's name added to the memorials. Contact Luther Baker at praecellemus@gmail.com or Kevin Sage at ksage@ualocal149.com.